Friday, November 11, 2016

The Armistice

The
boys in France were not the only ones who were deceived by the false armistice
of early October. There was a premature celebration in Seneca a few days before
November 11th.

News
that the hostilities would be suspended at 11 a.m. Nov. 11th reached
Seneca through Fred Porter station agent, who received the wire at 2 a.m.
Porter did not give it out until he had confirmation at 5 a.m.

The
town was awakened by the steam whistle at the light plant. The church bells
began to ring early and kept it up all day. A collection was taken to encourage
the bell ringers.

The
fire bell did extra duty. The bell was operated by a descending weight. Boys
climbed the tower and rode the weight down. The effect of it was to crack the
bell and ruin it for the purpose it served. It was later taken to the city
cemetery as a memorial to deceased firemen.

An
impromptu parade formed on Main Street led by the band and the fire department.
Every flag and every piece of bunting in town was purchased and used to
decorate vehicles. The Kaiser in effigy was dragged through the streets. Father
Wassinger of Fidelity gave an address.

There
had been conflicting reports about Earle W. Taylor, top sergeant of Co. F. 137th
infantry. He was seen to fall in the bitter fighting of the Meuse-Argonne,
Sept. 28th. It was not until the following spring that confirmation
of his death was certain enough to make it proper to hold a memorial service.
Previously, similar services were held for Joe Henry and his cousin, Joe M.
Gress, both of whom fell on the field of action.

A
few years after the war, it was decided to erect a memorial to all the boys who
had been in service and the Red Cross nurses as well. It was placed in the
courtyard at Seneca. The names of all service persons are embossed in copper.
Those who died in service are designated by a star. The list follows: